Free Tool to Encrypt DNS Requests Released for Windows

[nsane.forums]

A security company specializing in the Domain Name System has released a Windows version of a tool that encrypts DNS requests, which could be spied on to reveal a user's browsing activity.

Last December OpenDNS released its tool, called DNSCrypt, for Apple's OS X operating system. The company has now released a technology preview of the same tool for Windows, wrote David Ulevitch, OpenDNS' founder and CEO.

The tool encrypts DNS lookups sent between a person's computer and OpenDNS, which provides a free lookup service. DNS requests are an essential part of the Internet, translating a domain name into an IP address that can be called into a browser.

Most ISPs and other large organizations run their own DNS servers. But OpenDNS runs its own DNS lookup service, and someone can use their service by entering the company's DNS servers into their network settings. The service is free, and OpenDNS claims its service is speedier and has better security.

DNS requests are unencrypted, meaning that an interloper monitoring a person's internet traffic, such as over an unencrypted public Wi-Fi access point at an airport or cafe, could see the requests and compromise a person's privacy.

"Anyone who knows what they're doing can eavesdrop on your Internet activity and see exactly which domains you are resolving, and in many cases, what websites you're visiting," Ulevitch wrote. "Worse, sophisticated attackers can modify responses and redirect you to malicious sites."

About 10,000 people are using the Mac version of DNSCrypt. Ulevitch cautioned that the Windows version is a "technology preview" and may have some bugs, but it will be improved over time with feedback.

View: Original Article

[tezza]

DNSCrypt for Windows has arrived

In December we delivered a preview of one of the most critical and innovative technologies DNS security has seen. DNSCrypt, available initially only for Mac, works by encrypting all DNS traffic between you and your DNS provider, OpenDNS. That critical path between you and your DNS servers is often referred to as the “last mile.” It’s in this “last mile” that bad things are most likely to happen — snooping, tampering, or even hijacking traffic. Anyone who knows what they’re doing can eavesdrop on your Internet activity and see exactly which domains you are resolving, and in many cases, what websites you’re visiting. Worse, sophisticated attackers can modify responses and redirect you to malicious sites. We have always used various techniques to thwart this, but none as iron-clad as simply encrypting all the communication between you and OpenDNS.

The effect of DNSCrypt is immediate and adds significant privacy and security to your Internet connection, particularly when you’re accessing the Internet on a public WiFi network at a place like a coffee shop or airport.

Today we proudly reveal DNSCrypt for Windows. While we’re mostly a Mac and unix shop here at OpenDNS, we care about protecting all users. Since Windows has more than 80% market share around the world we knew we could not ignore the need for DNSCrypt on Windows.

There are a number of reasons why the World needs DNSCrypt, but here are just a few:

• Today’s Internet users no longer access the Internet only at home or at work.
• Users connect to several different networks throughout the day.
• As the DNS and security service powering the most Internet users around the world, we’re focused on inventing solutions that enable security for all the ways that people connect.
• DNSCrypt is a foundation for something much, much greater. We have disrupted the world with our technology and ideas, and we believe You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.

Without any further delay, download DNSCrypt today and help improve the state of Internet security, one user at a time.

Full details https://blog.opendns...ws-has-arrived/

[DKT27]

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